Cycle festival RideLondon to be 'greatest cycle weekend in the world'

Speaking at this morning's launch, London Mayor Boris Johnson said RideLondon would be "the greatest cycle weekend in the world in what is fast becoming the greatest cycling city on Earth".

RideLondon is a two-day festival forming part of London's Olympic legacy plan. Including a series of events for amateur, club and world elite cyclists, RideLondon will run over the weekend of August 3rd and 4th 2013.

A family fun ride for up to 70,000 cyclists will take place on an eight-mile loop of closed roads on the Saturday. The following day will see a 100 mile road ride for up to 20,000 amateur, club and world elite class cyclists, based around much of London 2012's Games cycle road race.

Boris Johnson was joined by Olympic medallist Laura Trott, British Cycling president Brian Cooke and Hugh Brasher and Mick Bennett from London Surrey Cycling Partnership. Gary Lineker hosted the press conference.

There are hopes to make the ride the largest charity fund-raising cycle ride in the world - RideLondon will be managed by the London and Surrey Cycling Partnership, a joint venture between the organisers of the London Marathon and the Tour of Britain.

Like the Marathon, RideLondon is expected to bring in millions to the local economy, with thousands of spectators and worldwide TV audiences.

Johnson said: “Our challenge is to ensure that 2012 is just the start, not the end of the benefits of hosting the Games. We must create long lasting opportunities for the Olympic Park and the capital, which will showcase London to the world, attract more visitors, create more jobs and support the economy. We also need to capitalise on the incredible achievements of Team GB’s Olympic cyclists whose superhuman efforts will inspire thousands more Londoners to take to two wheels. I urge every Londoner and cycle fanatics from all over the country, if not the world, to mark the weekend of 3 August 2013 in their diaries for what I believe will become one of the world’s number one cycling events.”

Double Olympic track cycling champion Laura Trott added: "It's been amazing the way the British public have really got behind Team GB and cycling in general during the last few weeks. I’ve been completely blown away by how many people have come out to support us. The crowd noise in the Velodrome was something I will never forget. It’s great to think we may have inspired people to get on their bikes and RideLondon is a great opportunity for the public to get out and join us on the roads. Cycling has always been a huge part of my family’s life and I hope that having watched the Games lots more people will be encouraged to have a go."